COLLEEN M. CURTIS

Colleen Mary Curtis, age 67, of Watervliet, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 6, 1957 in Oak Park, Illinois, Colleen was the first child of John “Jack” Curtis and Mary Agnes (Brennan) Curtis. She lived in Oak Park before moving to Lombard, Illinois, but spent the majority of her days in Watervliet, Michigan surrounding Paw Paw Lake where she lived out her love of being a Lake Girl.

After transitioning from a summer resident to being a permanent part of the Watervliet community, Colleen took a brief detour, heading west to California when her family there needed her support. This gave Colleen the opportunity to attend Riverside Community College in Riverside, California and experience a little bit of adult life out on her own by the ocean. While there, she developed a love of Laguna Beach but it was ultimately her family and the draw of Paw Paw Lake that called her home.

Upon returning home, Colleen worked at a few different places but her career was marked by the time she spent managing Sprague’s Grocery. Not only did she like the work, she loved the special relationships she developed with all of the employees and customers. Sprague’s was referred to as the “Meating Place” but it took on a new meaning as the “meeting place” for that is where Colleen met Alan Bodfish, who would become her husband and part of her larger family.

Ultimately, Colleen and Al purchased the popular restaurant near Paw Paw Lake, The Board of Trade. For 12 years, they worked together serving their customers. Being open 7 days a week, year around was a source of pride for Colleen. She wanted to be there for the customers, giving them good food, a fair price, and a fun atmosphere where people could develop friendships. It was through both Sprague’s and the Board of Trade where Colleen developed strong connections with so many people. Colleen could be traveling anywhere - even in Ireland, and she would run into people she knew.

Colleen was active in her community as a Trustee for Watervliet Township where she also served on their Planning Commission. She was unwavering in her faith as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet.

Colleen was a doer who didn’t have much patience for idle time. Her active lifestyle started at an early age. She played rough, backyard hockey with the boys, high school basketball and badminton. Colleen often told stories of how playing girls basketball in the mid-seventies was so different. She had to wear a skirt and was required to dribble the ball 3 times before passing because women weren’t allowed to go all the way down the basketball court. Colleen held the title of the Illinois Girls Athletic Association badminton state champion. She would later develop a knack for tennis, golf, pool, ping pong, pickleball and bags (aka cornhole). It was amazing how she could pick up a sport. And we can’t forget to mention that Colleen was a true fan of all things Notre Dame. Go Irish!

Although she didn’t want to be in the spotlight, Colleen was known for leading the charge and getting things done. She would do just about anything for anyone. Whether it was giving a patron a ride home, a boat rescue on the lake, or stepping in for family in any situation, Colleen would help at a moment’s notice. Upon “retiring” Colleen was so thrilled to provide daycare for her great nephews, Cash and Caden. Colleen truly took care of everyone.

Colleen was a lover of all things nautical. She found joy on the water - sailing Penguin sailboats at the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club, waterskiing, driving others while they waterskied, pontooning and spending countless cherished hours with loved ones on Paw Paw Lake. The lake wasn’t just a place for her; it was a way of life, a backdrop to treasured memories, and a setting where her loving and giving spirit thrived.

To her family, Colleen, also known as CC, was an anchor - a steady, grounding presence who brought us together, held us close and reminded us of what truly matters. Her strength, courage and caring nature were like the sun reflecting off the water - bright, constant and deeply comforting.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Al Bodfish and her large, extended family, which includes her brothers John (Kathy) and Pat (Deb) Curtis; sisters Margee (Steve) Overhiser, Maureen (Steve) Gathright and Kathleen Wolf; mother-in-law Gloria Bodfish; brothers-in-law Bruce (Michelle) and Andy (Kim) Bodfish; nieces and nephews Michelle, Mark (Bethany), Matthew (Katrina), Michael (Megan), Tyler (Cadie), Brandon, Ryan, Justin, Stephanie (Todd), Shaya (Brian), Stephen, Monica (Dan), Brock (Tori) and Kelsey, A.J., Brandon, John, Austin, Aliyah, Jacob and Jordan along with even more great nieces and nephews–all of whom carry her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jack Curtis, Mary Curtis and father-in-law Duane Bodfish, as well as other cherished family members.

A mass in celebration of Colleen’s life and faith was held on Wednesday, April 16 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Benton Harbor.

A never-smoker, Colleen was diagnosed in April of 2022 with ALK positive lung cancer. She tackled this challenge with strength, courage and grace. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ALK Positive Inc. in her honor. We also want to thank her special medical team including Dr. Terry Peabody, Dr. George Kalemkarian and Dr. Zachary Goodman along with a number of other compassionate caregivers with whom she interacted along her journey.

Let Colleen’s example be an anchor to you in both good and not-so-good times. Her legacy of love, strength, courage and charity will live on through the many lives she enriched during her time on this earth.